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Football 10/1/2021 3:01:00 PM

MBU FOOTBALL GAME PREVIEW: ST. FRANCIS

Football 10/1/2021 3:01:00 PM

MBU FOOTBALL GAME PREVIEW: ST. FRANCIS

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Missouri Baptist football looks to rebound against the University of St. Francis on Saturday after (8) Marian University handed them their first loss of the 2021 campaign last week.

SCOUTING THE FIGHTING SAINTS
The Fighting Saints head into the matchup against Missouri Baptist still searching for their first win in 2021. St. Francis began the season with a 40-17 loss against Marian and fell on September 25 in a closely contested 13-8 loss to Siena Heights University.

The team has struggled offensively out of the gate but looks to feature a balanced attack with an average of 123 passing yards per game and 122.5 rushing yards per game. Freshman Sam Tumilty has been the go-to guy at quarterback this season, completing 18 of his first 39 passing attempts for 246 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Tumilty also leads the rushing attack with 45 attempts for 183 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Through the air, his main target has been senior Ravon Johnson, who has reeled in seven catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown reception against Marian last week. Liam Eldridge has also been at the top of the targets list, catching four passes for 31 yards.

On defense, the team had a tough assignment against Marian, allowing 40 on September 18, but picked it up last week, allowing just 13 points to Siena Heights. Junior linebacker Chris Johnson leads the team in tackles with 19, followed closely by junior defensive back Terrance Nicholson with 18 tackles. Michael R. Johnson has been a menace on the defensive line through his first two contests, posting 1.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble. Joining him on the line is Ryan King, who has a sack and two tackles for a loss. Collectively, the team has allowed 176 rushing yards per game and 202 passing yards per game on average.

Overall, the Fighting Saints have talented players on both sides of the ball, despite a slow start to the year. They will, however, be tested by a strong Spartan ground attack supported by an experienced offensive line. On defense, MBU will have to look out for Tumilty's ability to gain yards through the air and on the ground, while the secondary will focus on leading wide receiver Ravon Johnson.

SPARTANS LOOK TO REBOUND
The Spartans are looking to rebound on Saturday after a tough loss against eighth-ranked Marian that saw them score zero points. Jaylen Cowley had a standout game against the formidable opponent, tallying 12 tackles (seven solos), while Kohl Williams stepped up with nine tackles of his own, three of them for a loss.

MBU features a run-first approach to their offense, averaging 210.5 yards on the ground compared to 169.3 through the air. They have various options to choose from on the ground, including leading rusher Ronald Allen, quarterback Josh Munn, Darius Morrison, Devin Wills, and Felix Pippenger. On the outside. Tyler Ball and Jacob Triplett have been significant players for the Spartans, each having over 170 receiving yards on the season. Defensively, both the defensive line and the secondary have a ton of talent and will look to capitalize on the Fighting Saints' slow offensive start.

GAME COVERAGE
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Location: Joliet Memorial Stadium
Watch: bit.ly/2ZP5t5r
Listen: bit.ly/3B3eiGw
Live Stats: bit.ly/2Y5Ny9F

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Players Mentioned

#7 Ronald Allen: RB; 6' 2"; Senior

#6 Tyler Ball: WR; 6' 0"; Junior

#7 Jaylen Cowley: SS; 5' 10"; Senior

#3 Darius Morrison: RB; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#5 Josh Munn: QB/P; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#10 Felix Pippenger: RB; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#17 Jacob Triplett: WR; 5' 8"; Senior

#35 Kohl Williams: LB; 5' 11"; Junior

#23 Devin Wills: RB; 5' 11"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#7 Ronald Allen
: 6' 2"; Senior
: RB

#6 Tyler Ball
: 6' 0"; Junior
: WR

#7 Jaylen Cowley
: 5' 10"; Senior
: SS

#3 Darius Morrison
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: RB

#5 Josh Munn
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: QB/P

#10 Felix Pippenger
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: RB

#17 Jacob Triplett
: 5' 8"; Senior
: WR

#35 Kohl Williams
: 5' 11"; Junior
: LB

#23 Devin Wills
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: RB